Become a foster carer

 At times, children require a secure environment while decisions are made regarding their future, which may involve reuniting them with birth parents, extended family members, long-term fostering, or considering permanency options like Special Guardianship Orders (SGOs) or Adoption. Short-term fostering plays a crucial role in facilitating this process, particularly for foster carers equipped with the necessary skills, aiming to provide a nurturing "home away from home" experience for children transitioning from disrupted placements or entering care for the first time.

Due to prior identification by the courts as being susceptible to significant harm under Section 31 of the Children Act 1989, certain children find themselves in the circumstance of spending the majority of their formative years in foster care to ensure their safety. In cases where Special Guardianship Orders (SGO) or adoption are not feasible options, long-term fostering becomes a suitable alternative. Long-term foster caregivers acknowledge their aptitude for providing a stable home environment to children and adolescents who have undergone multiple relocations during their upbringing, often due to circumstances beyond their control. These caregivers offer the security and permanence that these vulnerable young individuals require through long-term fostering arrangements.

An essential aspect of the fostering process is the endeavour to keep siblings together whenever feasible and deemed beneficial by the relevant authorities. Whether engaging in short-term or long-term fostering, providing a nurturing environment for two or more siblings can significantly contribute to restoring a sense of stability for children who may have experienced significant disruptions. Your dedication to accommodating brothers and sisters ensures their unity and prevents their separation, allowing them to share meaningful moments and create positive memories together.

Young individuals arriving in the UK seeking refuge are identified as Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC). These minors have endured significant adversities such as persecution, conflicts, scarcity of resources, and mistreatment in their countries of origin. Frequently, they embark on their journeys with scant information about their destination or fellow travellers. Upon reaching their new surroundings, they are confronted with a foreign culture, an unfamiliar language and separation from everything familiar. Deprived of parental care, family support and siblings, they confront the daunting task of assimilating into a society that may not prioritise fundamental human rights. However, by being embraced by TFF UASC specialised foster families, they are offered a chance to reconstruct their lives anew

According to The Children Act of 1989, the primary focus is on safeguarding the family structure for children. Parent and Child (P&C) fostering households play a significant role in supporting this objective by creating an environment conducive to family preservation. This specialised approach allows for statutory interventions and tailored assessments when required. Additionally, these arrangements can accommodate expectant mothers, including minors. Moreover, foster homes can cater to both single and dual-parent families, providing personalised assistance. The Fostering Foundation (TFF) offers dedicated support through skilled foster carers who oversee the well-being of both parents and children, ensuring a safe environment during assessments conducted by an impartial assessor appointed by the local authority or Court

Very often, children that have lived in the same fostering household for a long period of time become regarded as a member of the family. Once they reach adulthood they are considered to be ‘care experienced adults’ , no longer children in care. Despite this, some young adults are not ready for, or want their independence. In circumstances such as this, some care experienced adults have agreement from their placing local authority and previous foster carers to remain living as part of the household under a ‘Staying Put’ arrangement, which can also be supported with a financial package, until the age of 21.

 In situations necessitating the urgent removal of children from harm, the focus is primarily on safeguarding them with limited initial information available. Subsequent details are gathered, and appropriate support is promptly arranged. Conversely, respite care is a prearranged measure designed to offer brief reprieves for families or other foster caregivers. Remand fostering serves as a child-centered alternative to police custody, providing specialised care for children suspected of involvement in criminal activities, granting them the opportunity to reflect on necessary changes.

 In addition to the aforementioned points, children in foster care may exhibit challenging behaviours stemming from complex trauma. These behaviours can manifest as outward expressions of fear and uncertainty, such as shouting and aggression, or as internalised emotions leading to silence and withdrawal. To address these challenges, our foster carers receive invaluable assistance from both our Therapeutic Practitioner and Support Worker, who utilise established models like PACE and DDP. If you hail from backgrounds in health and social care sectors such as police, probation, nursing, or education, your transferable skills are highly advantageous for engaging in complex fostering endeavours